Sr. RF/Microwave Engineer, Satellites - (Starlink)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Long-term stock incentives

Discretionary bonuses

401(k) plan

Medical, vision, dental insurance

Paid parental leave

3 weeks paid vacation

10+ paid holidays

Company shuttle to Redmond

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Redmond is seeking a Sr. RF/Microwave Engineer for the development of high-performance RF devices for satellite applications. Candidates should have a Bachelor's in electrical engineering and over 5 years of experience in RF/microwave circuit design. Responsibilities include simulating communication systems and collaborating with various engineers. The role offers a salary range of $165,000 to $225,000 per year along with comprehensive benefits including stock incentives and generous vacation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of research and/or industry experience in RF/microwave circuit design.
• 1+ year of experience with 3-D EM simulation tools.

Responsibilities

• Simulate and model communication systems.
• Collaborate with system architects and engineers to partition functions.
• Assess feasibility of design options to support architectural definition.
• Derive top-level specifications for RF links and subsystems.
• Characterize and analyze system performance.

Skills

RF/microwave circuit design

3-D EM simulation tools

MATLAB

Python

C++

PCB schematic and layout skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field

Master’s degree in electrical or computer engineering (preferred)

Tools

CST

HFSS

MATLAB

Altium Designer

Job description

Sr. RF/Microwave Engineer, Satellites - (Starlink)

Location: Redmond, WA

SpaceX is building the next generation of space technology to bring fast, reliable internet to the world through Starlink, the largest satellite constellation. We are seeking senior-level engineers to design, build, test, and operate high‑performance RF devices for our satellites and ground systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Simulate and model communication systems.
• Collaborate with system architects and RF, antenna, modem/DSP, and ASIC engineers to partition functions between hardware and software.
• Assess feasibility of design options to support architectural definition.
• Derive top‑level specifications for RF links and subsystems.
• Characterize and analyze system performance.
• Provide technical support to regulatory, coordination, and market‑access teams.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, physics, or a related discipline.
• 5+ years of research and/or industry experience in RF/microwave circuit design.
• 1+ year of experience with 3‑D EM simulation tools (CST, HFSS, FEKO, SEMCAD, EMPro, TICRA, or XFDTD).

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s degree in electrical or computer engineering with emphasis in RF/microwave circuits or electromagnetic theory.
• Experience designing linear and nonlinear RF circuits such as power amplifiers, low‑noise amplifiers, mixers, filters, and PLLs.
• Deep understanding of RF passive components.
• Familiarity with radio test equipment (spectrum analyzers, vector signal analyzers, generators, network analyzers).
• Experience characterizing microwave‑frequency radio performance.
• Knowledge of digital communication systems, spread spectrum, carrier techniques, and modulation types (QPSK, APSK, QAM).
• RF/microwave design using ADS, HFSS, AWR, or similar tools.
• Understanding of electromagnetic propagation and antenna systems.
• PCB schematic and layout skills in Altium Designer or equivalent.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, C++, or equivalent for modeling and analysis.
• Python and/or LabVIEW experience for test automation.
• Digital communication theory with emphasis on bit‑error‑rate and noise‑figure analysis.
• RF/microwave design in Ku, Ka, V, and E bandwidths.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to work extended hours or weekends as required for mission‑critical deadlines.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range: $165,000 – $225,000 per year (based on job‑related knowledge, skills, education, and experience).

Benefits include long‑term stock incentives, discretionary bonuses, 401(k) plan, medical, vision, dental, disability, life insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks paid vacation, 10+ paid holidays, state‑compliant sick leave, and company shuttle to Redmond.

Applicants must meet U.S. export regulations (citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or eligible for required authorizations).

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information, contact [e-mail].